I carry you in me and in the dust on my feet

My good friend Jacquelyn and I decided to venture on a random, last-minute road trip to Austin, Texas about two weekends ago. I don't even think I realize how much of a getaway I needed until I was already home. We had SO much fun! Luckily, my awesome cousin Drew allowed us to crash at his place for a few nights. I had never gone to Austin before, and although we didn't get to see a whole lot, we visited the UT campus (don't be fooled, I'm a Sooners fan), walked around campus & the shops along the outside, visited 6th street at night and had fun on 4th street the last night we were there. Drew happened to know all the hotspots for nightlife so that was pretty sweet! We had so much fun. While there I decided to get a little...ahem..tat. I say this so cautiously because sometimes, in the Oklahoma conservative mindsets, it is taboo. Or so it seems. BUT, before you are quick to judge, let me tell you that this was not something I just up & did out of nowhere. I've been thinking about this for a year & a half (I even had advice from my mom to wait a year...which I did!) and the opportunity came so I did it. I just did it! And it hurt like nothing ever before..but I'm glad I did it finally.

After my first trip to Africa in 2007, my friend Hayley introduced me to musician, Brooke Fraser. At that point in my life I was in a very vulnerable state with my relationship with Christ. Now, I am not one to come on here & get all holy on you, but I will tell you that Africa completely changed my life. COMPLETELY. DRAMATICALLY. FOREVER.
On Brooke's cd there is a song titled "Albertine". She wrote the song about a child she grew close with during a mission trip to Rwanda. This song, much like my trip, instantly pierced my heart and I've favored it ever since the day I heard it. It is seriously my life letter to Africa and all that it means to me. I couldn't have written it better. A lyric in the song that has always struck me is "I carry you in me and in the dust on my feet". This line and the song in general has inspired me and touched my life so much that I wanted to remember it forever. I want to remember my experiences in Sierra Leone, I want people to know what it means to me and I want the opportunity to share with others in a unique way.
All this to say...here is my new ink! I edited the photo and mixed in part of the song so you can get an idea as to how it inspired the tat...although it's pretty much a given.

"I carry you in me and in the dust on my feet...
Now that I have seen, I am responsible, faith without deeds is dead. Now that I have held you in my own arms, I cannot let go til you are...I will tell the world, I will tell them where I've been".

Albertine is the first song on my playlist on here so listen to the words, if you will.
Also, check out the music video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGx-xU6TnU8

peace,
Abby